A Quasar, or Quasi-Stellar object is the central compact region of certain galaxies from which emanates more energy than the rest of the host galaxy combined. These central regions are hence referred to as AGN's, or Active Galactic Nuclei.
The question asked by astronomers was how could so much energy be generated in such a relatively small region?
The generally agreed consensus among astronomers is that the central engine is a massive - or supermassive - blackhole. This is not directly visible to optical telescopes but we can detect the energy output in radio and other wavelengths.
The huge amounts of energy are thought to be generated by the action of surrounding material being sucked into the black hole and being superheated by the extreme gravitational effects.
As matter falls into the black hole gravitational energy is converted into the energy we can detect coming from the galaxy's central region.
Quasars are thought to be the centers of distant galaxies where supermassive black holes are actively accreting matter. The intense energy emitted by this process makes quasars some of the brightest objects in the universe. Studying quasars can provide valuable insights into galaxy formation and evolution.
Gravitational energy is the energy associated with the gravitational field. This phrase is found frequently in scientific writings about quasars (quasi-stellar objects) and other active galaxies.
Quasars are not actually stars, but extremely energetic and distant objects in the universe, emitting massive amounts of energy.
Quasars are powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. These black holes are surrounded by a hot accretion disk of gas and dust, which releases enormous amounts of energy as the material spirals inwards. This energy is emitted in the form of intense radiation and jets of particles, making quasars some of the brightest objects in the universe.
Quasars are the brightest and most distant objects in the known universe. In the early 1960's, quasars were referred to as radio stars because they were discovered to be a strong source of radio waves. In fact, the term quasar comes from the words, "quasi-stellar radio source". Today, many astronomers refer to these objects as quasi-stellar objects, or QSOs. As the resolution of our radio and optical telescopes became better, it was noticed that these were not true stars but some type of as yet unknown star-like objects. It also appeared that the radio emissions were coming from a pair of lobes surrounding these faint star-like objects. It was also discovered that these objects were located well outside our own galaxy. Quasars are very mysterious objects. Astronomers today are still not sure exactly what these objects are. What we do know about them is that they emit enormous amounts of energy. They can burn with the energy of a trillion suns. Some quasars are believed to be producing 10 to 100 times more energy than our entire galaxy. All of this energy seems to be produced in an area not much bigger than our solar system.
The energy emitted by AGN and quasars most likely originates from the supermassive black hole at their center. As matter falls into the black hole, it releases energy in the form of radiation and powerful jets of particles, creating the intense emission observed from these objects.
Quasars appear starlike, but each emits more energy than 100 giant galaxies. They are thought to be at the centre of galaxies, their brilliance eminating from the stars and gas falling toward an immense black hole at their nucleus.
Quasars got their name from a shortened form of "quasi-stellar radio source." Initially, these objects were identified as star-like sources of radio energy, hence the term "stellar." However, further investigation revealed they are actually extremely distant and luminous objects powered by supermassive black holes.
Yes, quasars are galaxies where the central black hole is turned on and consuming material.
Yes, quasars are extremely energetic and are powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. They can release energy equivalent to billions of stars. Some quasars have been observed to emit energy exceeding 10 trillion times the energy output of our Sun.
All quasars are located at a great distance from us. Of the quasars discovered, they range from between 780 million and 28 billion light years away. Because of these distances and the velocity of light, we are seeing them early on in the creation of the Universe. They are very rare they have only found about 20 or so. See related link for more information.
Gravitational potential energy